For its 20th edition, Quais du Polar is joining forces with Artisans de la Fiction. Together, they are inviting children aged 11 to 15 (from 6e to 3e) to take part in its youth writing competition, sponsored this year by author Jean-Luc Marcastel.
For 2025, we’re inviting you to write a noir or detective story “On the Edge of Reality”.
So insert a fantastic element into your story – a supernatural companion or antagonist, a magical power, a wondrous place… And, of course, follow the codes of detective fiction and noir: suspense, mystery, investigation and action. Grab your best pen and slip into the shoes of the character of your choice!
THE RULES
- Number of characters: 8,000 maximum including spaces
- The text must be written in French and be an original creation.
- Deadline for entries: Sunday, February 16, 2025 at nouvelles@quaisdupolar.com
- Age limit for entrants: 11 to 15 years (6th to 3rd grade)
- Short stories may be written by individuals, groups or classes.
In the body of the e-mail, please indicate the contact details of the author or participating class, including surname(s), first name(s), date(s) of birth, address(es) and telephone number(s).
THE AWARD
The prize for the best short story for young people will be awarded on Friday, April 4, 2025 during the festival. The author of the best short story will receive a copy of Éloïse, mousquetaire du roi (Gulf Stream éditeur), as well as a two-hour introduction to storytelling offered by Les Artisans de la Fiction.
BUDGET REQUIRED
Participation is free of charge.
The winner or winning class will need to budget for travel to Lyon for the prize-giving ceremony on April 4, 2025.
Previous winners
Find the short stories of the winners:
- Première erreur de la justice by Mayssa Bounenni (2024)
